As the temperature outside increases, the management of companies should always ensure that workers are protected from heat-related illnesses. Heat exposure is often a health problem for both workers indoors and outdoors.
Heat stress is very serious, and it could range from serious thirst to feeling exhausted and weak. It could even lead to uncontrolled heat stroke or, worse, death if proper precautions are not followed.
The good thing is that there is online OSHA training to educate companies about dealing with heat stress in the workplace. This article will help you protect workers from possible heat stress and the proper ways to manage it.
Tips for Managing Heat Stress in a Workplace
So, you just had your online OSHA training, and you still want to learn more about heat stress management in the workplace. Check out these tips to help you reduce risks, especially for employees working under the sun or outdoors.
1. Come Up with Heat Stress Prevention Program
Ensure you include safe working practices, especially emergency procedures, when the workplace is at risk. You should also define a safe environment, such as humidity and temperature, and you must be able to specify how long you can work in hot environments.
2. Prevent being too Exposed to Hot Environments
When you work in hot environments, you must take measures to prevent exposure. Perhaps you can design work timetables around the most strenuous work scheduled for cooler times of the day.
Let every worker wear light-colored, lightweight, and even loose-fitting clothing. Advise them to drink plenty of water and take a break in shaded and cool areas. Always ensure adequate air circulation and use air conditioners or fans to keep the temperature down.
3. Provide Training and Education
As company owners, you must ensure that workers are always aware of the risks that heat stress could give. Even just online OSHA training can help them ensure they understand the symptoms of heat stress.
The training should include hydration, rest, and proper clothing importance. It should also include recognizing signs of heat stress and appropriately responding.
Employees and workers should be trained on properly using cooling devices, fans, and vests. Best of all, proper training and education are essential to ensure employees’ safety and health in such a hot working environment.
4. Air Circulation Should be Increased
Air circulation is very important because it gives fresh air to any space and reduces the spreading of airborne illnesses. This can be reached through using of AC units and fans. This could also help reduce possible fumes and dust buildups.
Increased air circulation could also lead to a healthy working environment and quality air. More so, the increased air circulation could also help reduce the risk of mildew and mold growth and even reduce humidity levels. Best of all, an increased air circulation could also help prevent fire because it dissipates smoke and gases.
5. Prevent Getting Dehydrated
Water is the best option to stay hydrated. It is very important for workers. As company owners, you should provide cold water and encourage the workers to drink every 20 -30 minutes, regardless of whether they are thirsty, especially during hot weather.
Workers should also avoid drinking coffee because it may lead to dehydration. More so, they should always pay attention to the condition of their bodies and look out for signs of dizziness, headache, and weakness.
6. Provide the Right Work Clothing
Workers, especially those who work outdoors, must wear the right uniforms. It’s actually the responsibility of the management to provide them something to wear that is intended for the job they are doing.
If the work is risky and too much exposure to heat, then workers should wear something the can withstand the temperature. However, everyone must also be aware that protective equipment could increase the risks of heat stress and give more rest breaks for employees.
7. Rest Breaks
Rest is such a big word, especially for those who work under extremely hot temperatures. During hot seasons, management should provide breaks to workers. This includes access to cool areas in a shade or air-conditioned vehicle or building.
Rest breaks will allow workers to drink water, relax, and cool off. This would help them stay energized, active, and alert. Best of all, rest breaks give that much-needed mental break from stress, as it helps them improve productivity and motivation.
Conclusion
Managing heat stress in a workplace should not be taken for granted. Because we’re not talking about the work and productivity here; instead, we are talking about the lives of workers in danger.
Employers should know the signs and symptoms that workers are experiencing heat stress. In addition, proper training, such as online OSHA training, is a big help in preventing workplace incidents.
